Update (6/5): Heartbreaker star Melissa George is pregnant with her second child, and for that reason the new medical drama is now being held for a midseason start. Taking its place in the Tuesdays-at-9 timeslot is another new hospital-set series, Dick Wolf’s Chicago Med. This post and NBC’s fall schedule have been updated below to reflect these changes.
For TV lovers, this is one of the most exciting times of the year. It’s mid-May and the Upfronts are currently taking place in New York City. In case you’re not aware, the Upfronts is an annual event where the major networks (namely NBC, FOX, ABC, CBS, and The CW) present their upcoming slates of fall and midseason programming to advertisers and the press. The Upfronts are held to get advertisers excited to spend their money on primetime commercials, and the press is there to spur buzz for the public at large. Every year the nets pump out some great content, so without further ado, let’s dive right in!
NBC is first out of the gate this Upfront season, presenting four new dramas, one fresh comedy, and a special variety series hosted by Neil Patrick Harris for the fall. The Blindspot, from executive producer Greg Berlanti (The Mysteries of Laura, The Flash, Arrow), stars Jaimie Alexander (Thor) in the Peacock’s most anticipated new drama. The mystery thriller about an amnesiac covered in tattooed clues has landed the plum post-The Voice spot on NBC’s fall schedule: Mondays at 10. Following The Voice on Tuesdays at 9 is new medical drama Heatbreaker starring Melissa George (The Slap, Grey’s Anatomy, In Treatment) another Dick Wolf spinoff Chicago Med. At 10 is Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris, a new variety show promising “stunts, skits, pranks, audience interaction, musical numbers, giveaways and unlimited surprises.” Chicago Fire will return for its fourth season in that timeslot when NPH’s show ends in November. Wednesday’s crime procedurals The Mysteries of Laura, Law & Order: SVU, and Chicago P.D. remain in tact. The Blacklist is sticking to Thursday nights at 9, sandwiched between event series Heroes Reborn and new drama The Player. This Las Vegas thriller hails from John Davis and John Fox, the executive producers behind the popular James Spader-led series, and it stars Wesley Snipes and Philip Winchester (Strike Back) in a fun twist on the action-crime genre. Friday is the sole night dedicated to NBC comedy with the returning Undatable at 8 (its third season will be completely comprised of live episodes) and new multi-cam sitcom People are Talking starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Saved by the Bell). At 9 it’s the return of dark fairly-tale genre fare Grimm and newsmagazine Dateline.
New series being held for midseason or later include dramas hospital-set Heartbreaker with Melissa George, Shades of Blue (starring Jennifer Lopez), Game of Silence (starring Revolution‘s David Lyons and Once Upon a Time‘s Michael Raymond-James), and the Wizard of Oz-inspired Emerald City. Comedies coming soon include You, Me, and the End of the World with Rob Lowe (Parks & Rec), Superstore with America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) and Ben Feldman (A to Z), Hot & Bothered with Eva Longeria (Desperate Housewives), the revival of Coach starring Craig T. Nelson, and Crowded with Patrick Warburton (Rules of Engagement) and Carrie Preston (True Blood). Reality series First Dates and Little Big Shots hosted by Steve Harvey, as well as TV specials The Wiz Live!, The Reaper, and Dolly Parton in Coat of Many Colors, are also coming soon.
Jump after the break to preview NBC’s new fall and midseason series with video clips and descriptions.
2015-16 NBC FALL SCHEDULE (new programs are CAPITALIZED)
MONDAY
8-10 P.M. — The Voice
10-11 P.M. — BLINDSPOT
TUESDAY
8-9 P.M. — The Voice
9-10. PM. — CHICAGO MED
10-11 P.M. — BEST TIME EVER WITH NEIL PATRICK HARRIS (through November)
10-11 P.M. — Chicago Fire (premieres in November)
WEDNESDAY
8-9 P.M. — The Mysteries of Laura
9-10 P.M. — Law & Order: SVU
10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D.
THURSDAY
8-9 P.M. — HEROES REBORN
9-10 P.M. —The Blacklist
10-11 P.M. — THE PLAYER
FRIDAY
8-8:30 P.M. — Undateable
8:30-9 P.M. — PEOPLE ARE TALKING
9-10 P.M. — Grimm
10-11 P.M. — Dateline
SATURDAY
8-10 P.M. — Dateline Saturday Night Mystery
10-11 P.M. — Saturday Night Live (Classic encores)
SUNDAY
7-8:20 P.M. — Football Night in America
8:20-11 P.M. — Sunday Night Football
NEW FALL DRAMA SERIES
BLINDSPOT: A vast international plot explodes when a beautiful Jane Doe is discovered naked in Times Square, completely covered in mysterious, intricate tattoos with no memory of who she is or how she got there. But there’s one tattoo that is impossible to miss: the name of FBI agent Kurt Weller, emblazoned across her back. “Jane,” Agent Weller and the rest of the FBI quickly realize that each mark on her body is a crime to solve, leading them closer to the truth about her identity and the mysteries to be revealed. Also starring Sullivan Stapleton, Audrey Esparza, Rob Brown, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Ukweli Roach, and Ashley Johnson. Executive producing with Greg Berlanti is Sarah Schechter, writer Martin Gero, and director Mark Pellington. From Warner Bros. Television and Berlanti Productions.
CHICAGO MED: Executive producer Dick Wolf delivers the newest installment of the compelling Chicago franchise, an emotional ride through the day-to-day chaos of the city’s most explosive hospital and the courageous team of doctors that holds it together. They will tackle unique new cases inspired by topical events, forging fiery relationships in the pulse-pounding pandemonium of the emergency room, and through it all, familiar faces from the Chicago Police and Fire departments will intertwine as this third team of Chicago heroes hits the ground running. Starring Oliver Platt, S. Epatha Merkerson, Laurie Holden, Nick Gehlfuss, and Yaya Dacosta. Dick Wolf, Matt Olmstead, Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, Danielle Gelber, Arthur Forney, and Peter Jankowski executive produce. Joe Chappelle directs. From Universal Television and Wolf Films.
HEROES REBORN: From original creator Tim Kring, the supernatural phenomenon begins again with a fresh crop of inspiring heroes who take on the ultimate struggle between those with extraordinary abilities and those with nefarious motives to hunt and harness their powers. Epic adventures await these newly empowered allies as they cross paths with some of the original characters (such as the beloved “HRG” and fan-favorite time-traveler Hiro Nakamura), unlocking the mysterious fate of the universe and their place within it. Jack Coleman, Masi Oka, and Judith Shekoni return to reprise their roles from the original Heroes run. New stars include Zachary Levi, Ryan Guzman, Robbie Kay, Danika Yarosh, Judith Shekoni, Kiki Sukezane, Henry Zebrowski, and Gatlin Green. Writer Kring executive produces with Peter Elkoff. Matt Shakman directs. From Universal Television.
THE PLAYER: From the executive producers of “The Blacklist” and starring Wesley Snipes and Philip Winchester (“Strike Back,” “Fringe”) comes an action-packed Las Vegas thriller about a former military operative turned security expert who is drawn into a high-stakes game where an organization of wealthy individuals gamble on his ability to stop some of the biggest crimes imaginable from playing out. Can he take them down from the inside and get revenge for the death of his wife, or is it true what they say: the House always wins. Also starring Charity Wakefield and Damon Gupton. Executive producing alongside John Davis and John Fox is writer John Rogers and director Bharat Nalluri. From Sony Pictures Television and Davis Entertainment.
NEW FALL COMEDY SERIES
PEOPLE ARE TALKING: If you can think it, they will say it. From the producer of “Ride Along” and the director of “How I Met Your Mother” comes this unabashed new comedy about two diverse couples, who are both neighbors and best friends. As they go through life side by side, they can’t help but analyze and obsess about EVERYTHING. From topics like sex and race, to the fact that the trusted new babysitter might just be a porn star, nothing is out of bounds for this wildly outspoken foursome. Starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tone Bell, and Bresha Webb. Writer DJ Nash executive produces with Will Packer. Pamela Fryman directs. From Universal Television and Will Packer Productions.
NEW FALL ALTERNATIVE SERIES
BEST TIME EVER WTH NEIL PATRICK HARRIS: Five Emmy Awards and a Tony Award make multi-talented Neil Patrick Harris the perfect star for this live one-hour show that is unlike any other currently on American television. Complete with stunts, skits, pranks, audience interaction, musical numbers, giveaways and unlimited surprises, this show proves that anything can happen, and it can happen to you. Based on the wildly popular British hit “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway,” the modernized variety show format and its fearless, multi-talented star will make for one of the best nights ever on TV week after week. Neil Patrick Harris, Orly Adelson, Siobhan Greene, David A. Hurwitz, Anthony McPartlin, and Declan Donnelly executive produce. Glenn Weiss directs. From ITV Studios America.
NEW SERIES HELD FOR MIDSEASON OR LATER
HEARTBREAKER: Based on the real life and achievements of Dr. Kathy Magliato, this unique character-driven medical drama follows Dr. Alex Panttiere (Melissa George, “The Slap”), an outspoken, world-renowned heart transplant surgeon, one of the few women in her field. Stubborn and fearless, Alex always operates on her own terms. She revels in a racy personal life that’s a full-time job in itself, manages the daily demands of skeptical faculty and dutiful interns, and pushes the boundaries of medical science to impressive new heights. Also starring Dave Annable, Don Hany, Shelley Conn, D.L. Hughley, Jamie Kennedy, Maya Erskine, J. Louis Mills, and Joshua Leonard. Writer Jill Gordon executive produces alongside Amy Brenneman, Brad Silberling, and director Robbie Duncan McNeill. From Universal Television.
SHADES OF BLUE: In a steamy new drama, the iconic Jennifer Lopez stars as sexy New York detective and single mother Harlee Santos, who fell in with a tight-knit group of dirty cops, taking bribes and protection money that she uses to provide the best life for her honest, talented daughter. But when she’s trapped by the FBI and forced to inform on her own “brothers,” she’ll have to walk the fine line between love, loyalty, honor and betrayal, and try to keep it together for her daughter’s future. Also starring Ray Liotta, Warren Kole, Dayo Okeniyi, Drea De Matteo, Hampton Fluker, Vincent Laresca, and Sarah Jeffery. Jack Orman, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Seacrest, and Benny Medina executive produce with writer Adi Hasak and director Barry Levinson. From Universal Television, Nuyorican Productions, and Ryan Seacrest Productions.
GAME OF SILENCE: Carol Mendelsohn, executive producer and architect of the CSI phenomenon, presents a gripping new drama about a successful Atlanta attorney (David Lyons, “Revolution”) whose long-lost childhood friends unexpectedly reappear after 25 years. When a dark secret they thought they’d buried resurfaces, the brotherhood bands together to right the wrongs of their shared past – a journey that will push the limits of their loyalty and quench their thirst for revenge. Starring David Lyons, Michael Raymond-James, Larenz Tate, Bre Blair, Conor O’Farrell, Deidrie Henry, Demetrius Grosse, and Claire Van Der Boom. Writer David Hudgins executive produces alongside Carol Mendelsohn and director Niels Arden Oplev. From Universal Television, Sony Pictures Television, and Carol Mendelsohn Productions.
EMERALD CITY: In the blink of a tornado’s eye, 20-year-old Dorothy Gale and her K9 police dog are transported to another world, one far removed from our own – a mystical land of competing kingdoms, lethal warriors, dark magic and a bloody battle for supremacy. This is the fabled Land of Oz in a way you’ve never seen before, where wicked witches don’t stay dead for long and a young girl becomes a headstrong warrior who holds the fate of kingdoms in her hands. David Schulner serves executive producer. From Universal Television.
YOU, ME AND THE END OF THE WORLD: In this bold, adrenaline-fueled new comedy drama, the news that a comet is on an unavoidable collision course with Earth sets in motion the most hilariously unexpected chain of events imaginable. Set against the backdrop of apocalyptic chaos and starring Rob Lowe (“Parks and Recreation”), Jenna Fischer (“The Office”), Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) and Mathew Baynton (“Yonderland”), the story follows an eclectic group of seemingly unconnected characters around the world as their lives start to intersect in the most unexpected ways. And when we say “eclectic,” we mean a rebellious priest, an unhinged white supremacist, a mild-mannered bank manager, a germophobic cyber terrorist and an American five-star general. Some of these misfits are destined to make it to a bunker deep beneath the English suburb of Slough, and as a result will become the hugely unlikely (and totally unsuitable) future of mankind. Wouldn’t that be a disaster! Also starring Joel Fry, Paterson Joseph, Gaia Scodellaro, Pauline Quirke, Fabian McCallum, and Kyle Soller. From executive producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, Juliette Howell, Lynn Horsford, Andrew Conrad, JoAnn Alfano, and writer Iain Hollands. From WTTV Working Title Television, Bigballs Films, NBCUniversal, and SKY.
SUPERSTORE: America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”) and Ben Feldman (“Mad Men,” “A to Z”) star in a hilarious workplace comedy (from the producer of “The Office”) about a unique family of employees at a super-sized mega store. From the bright-eyed newbies and the seen-it-all veterans to the clueless summer hires and the in-it-for-life managers, together they hilariously tackle the day-to-day grind of rabid bargain hunters, riot-causing sales and nap-worthy training sessions. Also starring Mark McKinney, Lauren Ash, Colton Dunn, Nichole Bloom, and Nico Santos. David Bernad executive produces with writer Justin Spitzer and director Ruben Fleischer. From Universal Television and The District.
HOT & BOTHERED: If you think the steamy sex, sensational scandals and heart wrenching heartbreak on Latino soap operas are a little extreme, just wait until you see what happens behind the scenes! Eva Longoria stars in this new comedy about Ana Sofia, a sizzling TV superstar, and her lively family of cast and crew all competing to steal the spotlight. When the cameras turn off, the drama turns up as Ana battles pesky network execs, drunken scriptwriters, narcissistic co-stars and an unfortunately familiar new on-screen love interest. Eva Longoria executive produces with Ben Spector, writers Chrissy Pietrosh and Jessica Goldstein, and director Steven Pink.
COACH: Craig T. Nelson reprises the iconic role that earned him an Emmy in this follow-up to the beloved series that ran for nine unforgettable seasons. With original creator Barry Kemp at the helm, our story picks up 18 years later, when the retired coach gets back in the game to assist his son, who was just hired as head coach at an Ivy League university in Pennsylvania… where they know nothing about sports. Between dealing with the eggheads on campus and his hostile daughter-in-law at home, Coach will soon learn that he’s not in Minnesota anymore. Talk about a Hail Mary! Barry Kemp executive produces. From Universal Television.
CROWDED: No more sex, booze and paying the bills naked. After 20 years of parenting, empty nesters Mike (Patrick Warburton, “Seinfeld”) and Martina (Carrie Preston, “True Blood”) are finally reclaiming their wild side. But when both of their two grown daughters unexpectedly move back in and Mike’s parents scratch their plans to spend their golden years in Florida, their roost is full again. From Executive Producer Sean Hayes, this new (and very timely) family comedy proves that life is crazy with a full house, especially the second time around. Also starring Stacy Keach, Carlease Burke, Mia Serafino, and Miranda Cosgrove. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner executive produce with writer Suzanne Martin. James Burrows directs. From Universal Television and Hazy Mills Productions.
FIRST DATES: Everyone can relate to the experience of a first date: the promise of potential love when it goes well and the hilariously awkward moments if it crashes and burns. From Executive Producer Ellen DeGeneres and based on the hit U.K. format, this new series offers a voyeuristic look at a variety of real first dates happening throughout one night at the same restaurant. The audience will be along for the ride in a refreshingly authentic viewing experience that plays like a real-life romantic comedy. At the end of each episode, we will find out if the participants want to see each other again for a second date or if they will go back to the drawing board.Ellen DeGeneres, Pam Healey, John Hesling, and Anthony Dominici executive produce. Michael Pearlman directs. From Shed and A Very Good Production.
LITTLE BIG SHOTS: From Executive Producers Ellen DeGeneres and Steve Harvey comes a new variety series showcasing the nation’s most extraordinarily talented kids. Host Steve Harvey (“The Original Kings of Comedy,” “Family Feud”) will chat and even go toe to toe with these child prodigies after every performance, eliciting plenty of hilarious and heartwarming unscripted moments. From pint-size break-dancers to five-year-old piano virtuosos, these gifted performers will awe the nation with their talents, slay us with their cuteness and wow us with their accomplishments, proving once and for all that talent is born, not made. Ellen DeGeneres, Steve Harvey, Jeff Kleeman, and Gerald Washington executive produce. From Warner Horizon Television. East 112th Street Productions and A Very Good Production.
THE WIZ LIVE!: NBC embarks on its latest musical holiday tradition with a live television production of the groundbreaking Broadway show that brought the vivid world of Oz to the streets of New York in a fresh, funky sing-along journey down the yellow brick road. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the original show was a massive hit on Broadway and even spawned a feature film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Now, a Tony-winning creative team, the hugely imaginative Cirque du Soleil Theatrical, and a diverse cast of showstopping performers will come together to create an eye-popping new take unlike anything seen before. From Executive Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron comes an awe-inspiring adventure overflowing with stunning spectacle and toe-tapping music.
THE REAPER: Based on the best-selling memoir, this event miniseries recounts the 100-day Afghanistan deployment of Sergeant Nicholas Irving, nicknamed The Reaper. The first African-American sniper, Nick tallied 33 official kills during this single deployment, a record that still stands today. He and his spotter, Pemberton, shared a unique relationship: they started as two men who could not be more different, but over time forged a bond few will ever experience as they survived some of the fiercest days of the Afghanistan War. The Reaper is a boots-on-the-ground thrilling and raw account of modern warfare and how it changes, shapes and sometimes destroys the people who fight it. From the executive-producing powerhouse, Harvey and Bob Weinstein.
COAT OF MANY COLORS: Based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton’s remarkable upbringing, this once-in-a-lifetime movie special takes us inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Dolly who she is today. Over the years, many have attempted to bring this story to life, and now, finally, fans across America can experience the heartwarming tale of a courageous nine-year-old girl from Tennessee and the loving family that taught her the power of inner strength.